Child Custody & Parenting Plan Document Preparation (Washington State)
Talk to a custody paralegal: 425-599-0085
If you need help preparing custody or parenting plan paperwork in Washington State, we can help you get organized and prepare the documents for filing. The best approach depends on your situation—first-time parenting plan, divorce/separation, modification, or a nonparent case. Child custody is one part of our Snohomish County paralegal support—see all options on our Services page.
Choose the situation that matches your case
- Unmarried parents — establish a parenting plan when the parents were never married.
- Married & divorcing (or legal separation) — temporary orders and final parenting plan as part of the divorce process.
- Divorced parents (modification) — major modifications and the supporting documents that go with them.
- Minor guardianship (nonparent cases) — for grandparents/relatives/other nonparents when a guardianship may be needed.
Unmarried parents
Unmarried parents often need a first-time parenting plan and schedule. Depending on what already exists (parentage, child support, prior court orders), the starting point can differ. For details and common starting scenarios, see: Unmarried Parents Custody.
Married, divorcing, or legal separation
During divorce or legal separation, custody and the parenting plan are handled alongside the other divorce documents. Temporary orders may be needed early, and the final parenting plan should be built to reduce future conflict. See: Divorce Custody Documents Prepared.
Divorced parents and parenting plan modifications
When a parenting plan already exists, changing it typically requires a modification process and strong preparation. If you’re seeking a major modification (including a custody change), see: Custody Modification for Divorced Parents.
Minor guardianship (nonparent cases)
Washington State repealed the former nonparent custody chapter (RCW 26.10) effective January 1, 2021, and nonparent cases are commonly handled as minor guardianships under the newer guardianship statutes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} If you’re a grandparent, relative, or other nonparent seeking court authority to care for a child, start here: Minor Guardianship / Nonparent.
Next step: Call 425-599-0085 to discuss what you have now (existing orders, parentage, support, or prior plans) and what you’re trying to change. Fees vary, based on whether your matter is agreed or contested for example.
Paralegal services for family law in Snohomish County and nearby areas, including Bothell, Everett, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and more.